Cover Details of the dining table and living area of this Marikina home
Details of the dining table and living area of this Marikina home
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Explore how King and Ada Puentespina of Nooke Furniture have transformed a Marikina childhood home into a unique sanctuary
Amid the bustling city of Manila, it’s more important than ever to find a sanctuary to call one’s own. This is especially true for homes layered with memories, as in the case of Ada and King Puentespina’s Marikina home. Originally the childhood home of Puentespina’s mother, the bungalow saw the rise of the Marikina shoe industry, with the house and a workshop flowing seamlessly into each other.
Four decades later, Ada Puentespina has breathed new life into the space. She uses it as a testing ground for her furniture and home décor brand Nooke. “Each product is created based on our rituals and routines,” she shares. “We wanted to make a creative space that inspired us every day, with little moments of delight in each room.”
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Above Afternoon light spilling in through the curtains of this Marikina home
Above Details of the dining table and living area of this Marikina home
Afternoon light spilling in through the curtains of this Marikina home
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“No one had lived here for about a decade before we moved in, but the property had good bones,” says Puentespina. Upon entering the property, one is captivated by the sprawling garden, with various plants from when King Puentespina’s aunts lived in the home.
From birds of paradise to gumamela and pine trees, the verdant flora envelop the bungalow’s low arches. In the summertime, the trees provide cooling shade that insulates the home. During the cooler months of December and January, the rustling leaves provide a soothing backdrop for nights spent lounging around.
Above The dining area in a Marikina home, which features a two-seater sofa from furniture makers in Sogod, Cebu, with an Ikat woven blanket
The dining area in a Marikina home, which features a two-seater sofa from furniture makers in Sogod, Cebu, with an Ikat woven blanket
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In the 1980s, King Puentespina's maternal side ran their leather business out of their home. “There were spaces for storage, workers and showroom areas, which were unusual for residential spaces,” says Puentespina. This created an open floor plan that immediately stood out to the couple. “We loved the adobe walls and jalousie windows,” she says. “But the highlight of the space was the wooden mahogany wall spread across the dining room.”
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Above The Abstract Console by Nooke in the entertainment area of this Marikina home
The Abstract Console by Nooke in the entertainment area of this Marikina home
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Balancing elements of the modern mid-century style with a tropical twist, the Puentespinas took inspiration from the homes of their favourite artists. One of their main inspirations was Georgia O’Keefe’s Ghost Ranch Home. “The style of the home juxtaposed her modern art with furniture,” recalls Puentespina. “We also recently visited Monet’s Giverny home, and we loved seeing how his personality blended with the home.”
Over the past year that the Puentespinas have lived in the space, they have started building a collection of travel mementos. “It’s not just one place that’s inspired us; we collect bits and pieces from our travels,” says Puentespina. “We have art prints from artists based in Seoul, candlesticks from Barcelona’s oldest candlemakers…everything is filling our home slowly.”
Above A glimpse of the coworking space in the Marikina home
Above Details of the Abstract Console by Nooke in the entertainment area of this Marikina home
A glimpse of the coworking space in the Marikina home
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This level of intentionality is present in the entertainment area and co-working space. “We wanted it to feel open and balanced. When you come home from a busy day in the city, you can relax. At the same time, it’s a playground for us to create as we work from home,” says Puentespina.
One of her favourite pieces in the space is the Abstract Console, which adds a warm and playful silhouette to the entertainment area. The furniture used in the living area is also notable, as it features a Lampada Campello from Oscar Piccolo and a two-seater sofa from furniture makers in Sogod, Cebu. Atop the comfortable sofa is an Ikat woven blanket, which infuses the space with even more character.
Above The renovated master bathroom in the Marikina home, with subway tiles and mahogany furniture
The renovated master bathroom in the Marikina home, with subway tiles and mahogany furniture
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While renovating the home to suit their unique needs, the Puentespinas wanted to maintain the space’s natural features. “We wanted the materials to generate minimal construction waste,” says Puentespina. “Most of the renovations took place in the master bathroom, so we made sure to efficiently design the subway tiles and Carrara marble counter.” The result is a relaxing atmosphere filled with jewel tones and the signature mahogany used in many of Nooke’s products.
Above Exploring the unique mahogany pieces that add a touch of mid-century modernity to the Puentespina home in Marikina
Exploring the unique mahogany pieces that add a touch of mid-century modernity to the Puentespina home in Marikina
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What sets this property apart is how light soaks into every crevice. “The home has gotten cosier the more we’ve settled into it,” says Puentespina. “I truly love the arches of the window which allow light to enter, especially in the afternoons.
As the Puentespinas continue building a life in their Marikina home, they still have some goals to achieve. “There’s a bar attached to the house that we want to host more parties in,” reveals Puentespina. “Luckily, the space is far from the parts of Marikina that flood easily. So we hope to throw a backyard party here someday soon.”
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Credits
Photography: Renzo Navarro
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
